If removing metal is not an option, how can metallic artifacts be minimized during imaging?

Minimizing the amount of metal in the scanned field of view is an effective strategy for reducing metallic artifacts during imaging. Metallic objects can cause significant distortions in the imaging process due to their high atomic number, which leads to differences in X-ray absorption and scattering. When these metals are present, they can create streaks and other artifacts that obscure the true anatomical structures of interest.

By focusing on the areas of interest and ensuring that as little metal as possible is within the scan field, radiologists can minimize these distortions and improve image quality. This involves careful positioning of the patient and the imaging device to exclude unnecessary metallic objects from the scanning area.

In contrast, increasing the exposure time or maximizing the amount of metal in the scan field would likely exacerbate the issue, leading to more pronounced artifacts. Adjusting the patient's position may help in some cases, but it is not as direct or effective a method as reducing the metal present in the imaging field. Therefore, the best approach is to minimize the amount of metal to enhance diagnostic clarity.